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Top shelf Derby
prospect Uncaptured is still on the mend from several injuries. His trainer
Mark Casse is hoping for a return to racing by the second or third week of
March, but the timeframe gets tighter by the day. Uncaptured will hopefully
have his first breeze next week// Super Ninety Nine’s impressive allowance
score at Santa Anita Thursday registered a 100 Beyer speed figure. Trainer Bob
Baffert said Super Ninety Nine and 2nd place Code West would move up to stakes
company next. The latter will probably ship to the Fair Grounds, while Super
Ninety Nine could stay at Santa Anita// Rick Violette says Clawback will most
likely get his first chance to stretch out in the Gotham (G3) March 2 at
Aqueduct// Tour Guide is another sprinter whose connections are looking to
stretch out on the Derby trail. He’ll either go to the Southwest (G3) at
Oaklawn or Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds// Not only was Friday a mere eve
to a big Derby preview day, but it held its fair share of possible key races as
well. One was an impressive debut win at Oaklawn by Big Lute, who won by over 4
lengths. Over at the Fair Grounds, Departing followed up his debut win with an
impressive allowance score. It won’t be surprising to see both colts in stakes
company next// More previews and handicapper picks for the busy Saturday//
more…